WRESTLING COLUMNS

A Look At Wrestling Through True Fans Eyes July 6, 2004 by Chris Chambers

Each sport has fans from all across the world and there are veteran or shall I say true fans of the sport and then theres new fans of the sport. The new fans of the sport wonders what makes the sport so good. Whether its which teams is good or which teams is bad. What some fans fail to realize that its the legends of the sport is what makes the sport good and the fans who have watched the sport a long time and actually learned the graphics of the sport and grasped the concept of the sport is known as the true fans. Same goes for pro wrestling. You have fans who have been watching for a long time and you have newer fans. This column isn't a negative column towards newer fans its to enlighten the newer fans of what pro wrestling truly means and truly is through true fans eyes.

I debated and debated on an idea for a column like this so what I did is I went to some wrestling fans who I think and know are true fans and I asked them a series of questions (10 to be percise) about pro wrestling. Each fan I asked gave their heart felt answers and I hope that the newer fans can see what pro wrestling is through these fans eyes.

Maveric: What can I say about this guy, he is one of the most funniest and coolest guys I ever met. The one thing that sticks out in my mind about Mav is that he is a very good true wrestling fan and here are his heart felt answers to the questions I asked him....

(1.) What made you start watching wrestling?
My dad got me into the whole wrestling world. Ever since watching Hulk
Hogan and Demolition on TV I was hooked.

(2.) When did you start watching wrestling?
1987

(3.) When you first started wrestling, Who was your first favorite superstar?
Hulk Hogan, like any kid my age, was my main favorite. I also liked Jake
Roberts and Ultimate Warrior.

(4.) Which do you perfer Old School Wrestling or New School Wrestling? &
Why?
To me it all depends on the wrestler and how it fits in with his division
and/or character.

(5.) When it comes to the wrestlers personas, Which do you like the face
persona or heel persona of a wrestler?
This is a complicated question. I read so many biographies of wrestlers
saying it's easier to be a heel because they don't have to hold anything
back. I think the face persona is a bit better because it relates more to
the fans because it makes the storylines more entertaining. Cheap pops in
the crowd are always fun too. I also like how today they have heels look
cool and more badass like (thanks to the innovation behind the New World
Order).

(6.) From the Old School Era, Which Old School Match is your favorite? &
Why?
My favorite Old School Match would have to be The Undertaker vs. The
Undertaker at Summerslam '94. That match showed how great the WWE
storylines were in '94. Vince McMahon really showed his prowess in actually
making Brian Lee a damn near perfect clone of Mark Calloway for the match.
Big ups to the makeup crew on that one.

(7.) From the New School Era, Which New School Match is your favorite? &
Why?
My favorite was Mankind vs. The Rock in an Empty Arena Match on the first
Half-Time Heat event during half-time of Super Bowl XXVII. The match gave a
new meaning to hardcore. They took full advantage of the whole arena and it
gave a nostalgic factor to hearing Vince McMahon back on the commentary spot
for the first 2 minutes.

(8.) This Question is going to be word association, just say the first
thing that comes to your mind about the following....

(9.) In your own opinion, What does it take for a wrestler to reach a
legendary status?
Big matches, high-profile wins, and innovation.

(10.) If you have one thing to say to the newer fans, What would you tell
them about pro wrestling in your own words?
Don't just say you like The Rock. He's a Hollywood actor who chose movies
over the business that his family helped make big. There are many many
others who have done a lot better then him that didn't sell out. Play the
games, get to any wrestling website, and look at wrestling as a whole and
that includes watching TNA's Impact and PPV shows.

VNS: All I can say about him is that he is Obsessed With Wrestling (cheap plug wink wink). This guy has so many views on Wrestling its like he is a living encyclopedia (pardon me if its misspelled) of wrestling. He is definitely a true fan IMO and here is his answers....

(1.) What made you start watching wrestling?
george the animal steel's green tongue..

(2.) When did you start watching wrestling?
right before wrestlemania 1

(3.) When you first started wrestling, Who was your first favorite superstar?
george steel, and yes i WAS a hulkamaniac

(4.) Which do you perfer Old School Wrestling or New School Wrestling? & Why?
old school, it just feels better to watch old wrestling. it meant so much more and the wrestlers portrayed themselves as more loyal to the business and their jobs than today.

(5.) When it comes to the wrestlers personas, Which do you like the face persona or heel persona of a wrestler?
it doesn't really matter, if their passion shines through their work i am attracted to them (ie: guerrero, benoit, jericho, etc etc) it doesn't matter what roll they play as long as they entertain me with their skills..

(6.) From the Old School Era, Which Old School Match is your favorite? & Why?
No question, Macho Man vs Ricky Steamboat at Wrestlemania 3, for all the reasons I listed above. Both were compelling characters and extremely atheletic and talented entertainers. they worked the enormous crowd billiantly..

(7.) From the New School Era, Which New School Match is your favorite? & Why?
Shane McMahon vs Kurt Angle at KotR 01, Bret Hart vs Steve Austin at WM13, Benoit vs Angle at Unforgiven 03, Jeff Jarrett vs Raven from early TNA, Austin vs Benoit (RAW in Calgary), Eddie Guerrero vs RVD (Ladder match from RAW May 2002, Low Ki vs AJ Styles vs Jerry Lynn in a Triple Ladder match in TNA, Ric Flair vs Sting on the last nitro, to name a few. for the same reasons listed above. i was entertained by the characters, the athleticism, and the talent..

(8.) This Question is going to be word association, just say the first thing that comes to your mind about the following....

WWF/E: Leader of sports entertainment
WCW: Where the Big Boys Got Paid
ECW: Best overall product of the 90s
Vince McMahon: Genius
Paul Heyman: Former Genuis-turned-sellout
Eric Bischoff: Business man who happens to be a major fan of wrestling
RAW: Stacked.
SD: Depleated but underrated and underappreciated.

(9.) In your own opinion, What does it take for a wrestler to reach a legendary status?
Getting yourself over, as well as those who you work with..

(10.) If you have one thing to say to the newer fans, What would you tell them about pro wrestling in your own words?
Wrestling does exist outside of Vince McMahon's realm.

Shockage: Shock IMO, is one of the most funniest guys even when hes serious he can be funny. Shock has always been a bright and smart fan IMO and he truly is one true fan and here his his answers....

(1.) What made you start watching wrestling? The wrestling matches, specifically watching wrestlers like Jake Roberts and Bret Hart

(2.) When did you start watching wrestling? In 1988

(3.) When you first started wrestling, Who was your first favorite superstar? Jake Roberts and Bam Bam Bigelow

(4.) Which do you perfer Old School Wrestling or New School Wrestling? & Why? I prefer old school wrestling definitely!! The matches back then didn't look obviously rehearsed, ring psychology, matches told a story. The Angles/Feuds stretched out longer, lengthly and meaningful title reigns. I could go on and on, but you know what I mean.

(5.) When it comes to the wrestlers personas, Which do you like the face persona or heel persona of a wrestler? It depends on how good an actor he/she is, either way I don't mind.

(6.) From the Old School Era, Which Old School Match is your favorite? & Why? SummerSlam '88 - The Mega Powers vs the Mega Bucks. It was my first ppv, and a huge Hogan mark.

(7.) From the New School Era, Which New School Match is your favorite? & Why? Kurt Angle vs Chris Benoit Royal Rumble. Brilliant technical wrestling as expected from both men. The match told an exciting story that appealed not only to old fans, but surprisingly to the younger generation. When the match ws over, not only did the fans show their appreciation, but they embraced the fallen Chris Benoit with a standing ovation. It's one thing if a wrestler's popularity revolves around charismatic promos or his/her physical appearance, but to recieve standing ovations after your matches is more meaningful.

(8.) This Question is going to be word association, just say the first thing that comes to your mind about the following....

WWF/E: Needs to think more as wrestling promoters not money driven marketing experts, stop trying to make wrestlers out of body builders and male models
WCW: No leadership
ECW: Opened the doors for smaller wrestlers to be exposed in America
Vince McMahon: Genius nearing his reign
Paul Heyman: Genius
Eric Bischoff: Gutsy
RAW: ok
SD: Unsupported

(9.) In your own opinion, What does it take for a wrestler to reach a legendary status?

Contrubute more than you can take from wrestling

* Atleast a 20 year career

* Memorable matches that will be compared to Flair/Steamboat, Steamboat/Savage, Bret/Hennig, Bret/Owen, Angle/Benoit

* Passing of the Torch - Not necessarily losing eg Bret putting Steve Austin over, paving the way for the Attitude era

* Work with other talent giving them more credibility eg Hogan working with DiBIase, Hennig, or Flair working with Luger, Magnum, Windham, Nikita

* Successful international career, worked with the who's who of wrestling,

* Doesn't have to win a World Title but has name recognition eg Roddy Piper, Jimmy Snuka, Ted DiBiase

10.) If you have one thing to say to the newer fans, What would you tell them about pro wrestling in your own words? (N/A)

Wade: He is one helluva funny and cool guy. He is the owner and webmaster of World-Wrestling.net (cheap plug wink wink). I joined the forums at W-W maybe about 3 - 4 months ago and from then untill now I have always respected and loved Wade's views on Wrestling. IMO he is definitely a true fan. Here is his answers....

(1.) What made you start watching wrestling?
Well I was 4 years old, so I guess the aspect of it being "super human" back
in the day kept me interested after watching my first show with my Uncle
George.

(2.) When did you start watching wrestling?
I started watching when I was 4, back in late 1987 when my Uncle George let
me watch it with him.

(3.) When you first started wrestling, Who was your first favorite
superstar?
No doubt, Hulk Hogan.

(4.) Which do you perfer Old School Wrestling or New School Wrestling? &
Why?
Old School Wrestling. I prefer that due to the heavy use of psychology in
the ring. The older guys were masters at crowd control, and didn't have to
do much to get a pop or heat. Now days, the only way to get over with the
crowd is to either heavily insult another person using profanity, or to
crash through tables 24/7. I have no respect for that. Using your own
talents to have crowd control is an art that few can do now days.

(5.) When it comes to the wrestlers personas, Which do you like the face
persona or heel persona of a wrestler?
I respect and like them both. However, it is harder to get over as a face
than it is a heel, so I'll have to say I prefer the face role better. To be
a heel, you can do anything to get heat. Taking a phrase from Eddie
Guerrero, you lie, cheat, and steal as a heel. As a face, you have limits
on what you can do, which makes it harder and when you actually get over as
a face, it shows your talent shining through.

(6.) From the Old School Era, Which Old School Match is your favorite? &
Why?
I have a few, Randy Savage vs. Ultimate Warrior at WrestleMania 7 was a good
one. At WrestleMania 3, Ricky Steamboat vs. Randy Savage was another great
one. Does Bret Hart vs. Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania 12 count? If so,
then that's my ultimate favorite.

(7.) From the New School Era, Which New School Match is your favorite? &
Why?
I don't have that many, but if I have to truly pinpoint one of them...I'd
have to go with Eddie Guerrero vs. Chris Benoit at Vengeance 2003.

(8.) This Question is going to be word association, just say the first thing
that comes to your mind about the following....

(9.) In your own opinion, What does it take for a wrestler to reach a
legendary status?
Being able to do what this business is named...wrestle. Perform actual
wrestling matches to a calibur of nonstop action, like a Bret Hart, Chris
Benoit, Shawn Michaels, and Eddie Guerrero. Those names are all legends to
me. Also, you need to be able to captivate the crowd and never get dull.
People like The Undertaker, The Rock, Hulk Hogan, Roddy Piper all achieved
that as well.

(10.) If you have one thing to say to the newer fans, What would you tell
them about pro wrestling in your own words?
The attitude era ruined wrestling, not the internet. The internet helped
voice opinions of the customer to Vince McMahon. The attitude era only
helped careers end, and even lives ending or being altered due to the
stupidity of shock television.

Ben: What can I say about him. Hes a pretty cool guy. Hes a younger fan but he knows alot about wrestling like hes been watching it for years. Hes funny and can be very serious at times. He IMO, like the others is a true fan and here is his answers....

(1.) What made you start watching wrestling?
Nothing really made me start watching it, I recall renting Royal Rumble 1994 from blockbuster, i loved the rumble concept, then the morning of Survivor Series 1996, I remember turning on superstars and ever since then ive been hooked.

(2.) When did you start watching wrestling?
Nov. of 1996

(3.) When you first started wrestling, Who was your first favorite superstar?
Shawn Michaels/Bret Hart/Sid Vicious

(4.) Which do you perfer Old School Wrestling or New School Wrestling? & Why?
Old School, Mabey because ive become a smarter fan, but for me, when I was younger, I enjoy everything else more than anything these days, also prolly because I have the internet, so I know everything thats likley to happen.

(5.) When it comes to the wrestlers personas, Which do you like the face persona or heel persona of a wrestler?
easily the heel, just because it comes off funnier and more enjoyable to watch than a face, just like the heel announcers were always more enjoyable to listen too.

(6.) From the Old School Era, Which Old School Match is your favorite? & Why?
Probably either Shawn Michaels/Bret Hart from Series 92, because this was there first big match and imo the best they had, also great psychology there. Or Bulldog/Bret from Slam 1992

(7.) From the New School Era, Which New School Match is your favorite? & Why?
Aj Styles vs. American Dragon from ROH MES 11.01.03, this is what a wrestling match is supposed to be, also...lets just say Kurt Angle. but even more recent, I just loved the match. ROH 6.12.04, TIme Limit Draw between CM Punk/Samoa Joe

(8.) This Question is going to be word association, just say the first thing that comes to your mind about the following....

(9.) In your own opinion, What does it take for a wrestler to reach a legendary status?
well, something todays superstars cant become, I consider a legend someone who has traveled the world and won international titles and held several world titles for long periods of time.

(10.) If you have one thing to say to the newer fans, What would you tell them about pro wrestling in your own words?
Explore beyond the WWE. You will enjoy.

Bandfox: This guy is one of the best guys you would want to know. I have known him for quite a while (probably because I forgot because its been too long lol). Anyways, Bandfox is a very good and intelligent guy IMO and his knowledge of wrestling is just unique and very good. Here is his answers....

(1.) What made you start watching wrestling?
accident. I caught it on a Dallas station one Friday night. I looked for it all week long not knowing it only was televised on Friday. The next Friday came and from there, any chance I get. It was the VonErich Federation

(2.) When did you start watching wrestling?
1980

(3.) When you first started wrestling, Who was your first favorite superstar?
Kevin VonErich by far. He took time to sign an autograph for me in a high school gym. He was in a hurry to get home.

(4.) Which do you perfer Old School or New School Wrestling? & Why?
Old School purely for the wrestling. I'm really not into storylines though the old wwf did a great job with them for a while.

(5.) When it comes to the wrestlers personas, Which do you like the face persona or heel persona of a wrestler?
I've always liked the face persona, Hulk and Warrior.

(6.) From the Old School Era, Which Old School Match is your favorite? & Why?
hmm. That's a hard one. Probably if it's old school and I go with the Von Erich Fed, I'd say the battle between Kevin and Kabuki who was managed by Gary Hart. He was truly an evil sight and scared those Von Erichs.

(7.) From the New School Era, Which New School Match is your favorite? & Why?
Shawn Michaels vs Razor Ramon WM X. Ladder Match. It started it all when it came to wwf goin a little hardcore.

(8.) This Question is going to be word association, just say the first thing that comes to your mind about the following....

WWF/E: the most watched program on my tv
WCW: a great program. I'm sad it's gone
ECW: I wished I had the entire library. Looks very interesting. Saw one show before it went off the air
Vince McMahon: A genius and at the same time a poor excuse for a human being
Paul Heyman: Seems intense on making breakthroughs happen
Eric Bischoff: Will do anything for the business. Even if it means destroying it.
RAW: Big guys. . . boring women. . . could be way better
SD: Cruiserweight heaven. Needs more big guys to help out. Heyman will make it happen.

(9.) In your own opinion, What does it take for a wrestler to reach a legendary status?
I say to start as a nobody, pay your dues, respect the business, build up momentum, have classic matches, and most important stay "in the business" until you retire.

(10.) If you have one thing to say to the newer fans, What would you tell them about pro wrestling in your own words?
That they have missed so much greatness in the sport that was. I would suggest they go back and watch old tapes before making decisions on what wrestling is these days.

Norman: What can I say about him lol. He is one hell of a funny guy and he is just fun to talk to and hang out with. He is a fan from the Attitude Era but hes not like most Attitude Era fans, He actually took the time and researched about old school wrestling and what wrestling truly is before even commenting about old school wrestling. That is one reason why I respect him alot. His hard work and dedication in researching old school wrestling IMO is what becoming a true fan is and he is definitely a true fan now. Here is his answers....

(1.) What made you start watching wrestling?
I was curious in what it was, I heard about it from a few friends and thought hey should look at this if its popular around the hood.

(2.) When did you start watching wrestling?
Around 1997 The "Attitude Era"

(3.) When you first started wrestling, Who was your first favorite superstar?
When I first started watching The Rock StoneCold The Undertaker Were My Favorites when I started watching.

(4.) Which do you perfer Old School Wrestling or New School Wrestling? & Why?
Old School Wrestling, Cause Back Then You Had Less Talking More Great Technical Chain Mat Wrestling and its much better then what you see on tv these days.

(5.) When it comes to the wrestlers personas, Which do you like the face persona or heel persona of a wrestler?
It Really Dont Matter To Me Just As Long They Are A Good Wrestler.

(6.) From the Old School Era, Which Old School Match is your favorite? & Why?
hmmmmmm This Is A Hard One lol j/k The Cage Match Between Snuka And Don Muraco Was One Of MY Favorites Because that was the defining moment when Snuka Jumped Off The Cage On To Muraco.

(7.) From the New School Era, Which New School Match is your favorite? & Why?
Inferno Match Between Taker And Kane, Because that match was in a way brutal and Exciting to see at the same time.

(8.) This Question is going to be word association, just say the first thing that comes to your mind about the following....

(9.) In your own opinion, What does it take for a wrestler to reach a legendary status?
It Takes Dedication it takes good wrestling and good proformances it take really a lot for a wrestler to become legendary.

(10.) If you have one thing to say to the newer fans, What would you tell them about pro wrestling in your own words?
That its dead lol j/k I would tell them that wrestling back in the old days was much better then what your seeing with the WWE and that they should reseach the old school and not bash it give old school wrestling a try and then watch the new school and compare.

Finally Nate: This guy is something else lol. He is a very dedicated fan of pro wrestling and he respects pro wrestling. Yes me and him had a few rough times but we worked it out and Nate is one funny cool guy. His knowledge of pro wrestling is also unique and its fun to talk about wrestling with him. Here are his answers....

(1.) What made you start watching wrestling?
well when i first started watching wrestling i just new there was something about it and i loved it from the sec i started watching it and will allways love it and still to this day i love it more now then ever.

(2.) When did you start watching wrestling?
i start years ago with my dad and brother and cousins and every sense then i been a wrestling fan i saw it the first time at 2 years old.

(3.) When you first started wrestling, Who was your first favorite superstar?
when i first started watching wrestling i loved hulk hogan hes allways will be the one who got me into it he rocks.

(4.) Which do you perfer Old School Wrestling or New School Wrestling? & Why?
i like old time wrestling cause i saw all my favs when ever and seening the old days where the best wrestling was and 4 ever will be.

(5.) When it comes to the wrestlers personas, Which do you like the face persona or heel persona of a wrestler?
i love the heel of hhh but i love the face of hogan and shawn micheals i like the face better.

(6.) From the Old School Era, Which Old School Match is your favorite? & Why?
well i watched a lot of wrestling matches over the years but the best match in the old time shit was bret hart vs shawn micheals at wrestlemaina 12 ironman match the best match i ever seen.cause you seen everything that you need to see.

(7.) From the New School Era, Which New School Match is your favorite? & Why?
the new shit is pretty good because of chris benoit and his match on raw with shawn micheals takes the cake i think i havent seen 2 guys do as great as they did in a long time but the ric flair vs hhh match was very good too.

(8.) This Question is going to be word association, just say the first thing that comes to your mind about the following....

(9.) In your own opinion, What does it take for a wrestler to reach a legendary status?
well it takes heart and love for wrestling it takes alot to do it if you dont love it you shouldnt do it but love and heart the most as far as the fans go they what make wrestlers going in the ring night in and night out lots heart.

(10.) If you have one thing to say to the newer fans, What would you tell them about pro wrestling in your own words?
i would say love it to the fullest and allways remmber wrestling just not a sport its something that lots of wrestling fans take to there heart 4 ever i been knowing wrestling all my life and i love it more now then i did when i was kid i couldnt think of doing anything esle so all you newer wrestling fans love it now and take it with you 4ever just like the natedogg will do.

These are some of the true fans that have a keen sense on what wrestling truly is and I hope that newer fans will look at wrestling through their eyes and get a sense of their own what wrestling truly is. Like I mentioned before this column is to give the newer fans a look at wrestling through the true fans eyes. Anyways, Untill next time, Chris Out ! !

Honorable Mentions: Doh, Dizzy, AJ, Harley, Jay, Scott, Guys at the Venue, Guys on OWW Forum, Guys on NoDQ Forum, Guys on Wrestling Chaos Forums, Guys at Top Wrestling and many more. These names I have mentioned are some true fans that have my respect and will always have it.

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